Graphic Communications
Program Number: 10-204-3
School Year: 2013-2014
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Fond du Lac
Program Description
The Graphic Communications program combines the creativity of graphic design and the technology of digital media to prepare graduates for careers in graphic communications. Emphasis is placed on the use of the graphic design software to generate text, graphics and photos to create digital media for use in newsletters, flyers, display ads, forms, manuals, brochures and Web-based documents. First-year students work primarily online building design and layout skills using a variety of graphic production software. Second-year students continue to develop these skills through hands-on, classroom-based production experiences.
Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$18,199 $35,000
Approximate Costs
- $122.20 per credit (resident)
- $183.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)
- *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.
Program Outcomes
- Apply the principles of design to develop strategic marketing and communication products and services.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of design software, tools and technology.
- Implement creative solutions from concept through completion using a formal process.
- Apply effective legal and ethical business practices and project management skills.
- Communicate artwork rationale in formal and informal settings.
Career Opportunities
- Graphic Arts Designer
- Sales Representative
- Customer Service Representative
- Electronic Prepress Technician
- Digital Prepress Technician
Entrance Scores
| Assessment Area | ACT | ACCUPLACER |
|---|---|---|
| English/Sentence Skills | 16 | 76 |
| Reading/Reading Comprehension | 16 | 67 |
| Math/Arithmetic | 16 | 64 |
Admission Process
- Submit the college admission application.
- Submit the $30 one-time fee.
- Submit high school and other official college transcripts.
- Take the college assessment test (ACCUPLACER, ACT or other). The ACCUPLACER assessment can be taken at MPTC.
- Meet with Admissions to discuss order of courses and prerequisites (strongly encouraged).
- Check with Admissions if any additional steps are required.
Please visit the Admissions page for general information.
Courses
| Number | Title | Crs |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | ||
| 103-159 | **Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office | 1 |
| 103-170 | Beginning Photoshop | 2 |
| 111-101 | Introduction to Graphic Communication | 3 |
| 204-112 | Digital Graphic Design | 3 |
| 204-121 | Publishing Principles | 2 |
| 801-136 | English Composition 1 | 3 |
| 809-199 | Psychology of Human Relations | 3 |
| 890-101 | **College 101 | 2 |
| Total | 19 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| 103-174 | InDesign | 2 |
| 104-160 | Marketing Basics | 1 |
| 152-107 | Graphics for the Web | 2 |
| 204-102 | Digital Illustration and Design | 2 |
| 204-111 | Typography | 3 |
| 204-163 | Acrobat PDF | 2 |
| 801-196 | Oral and Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| 196-189 | Team Building and Problem Solving | 3 |
| 204-100 | Imaging Editing | 2 |
| 204-134 | Design Production and Planning: Workflow | 3 |
| 204-144 | Electronic Illustration 2 With Vector Graphics | 3 |
| 804-107 | College Mathematics | 3 |
| Total | 14 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| 204-116 | Digital Graphic Imaging | 3 |
| 204-168 | Design Production and Planning 2: Digital Output | 3 |
| 204-181 | Prepress Process (Color) | 3 |
| 809-166 | Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application | 3 |
| 809-195 | Economics | 3 |
| 809-196 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total | 18 | |
| Required Elective Credits | 3 | |
| Total Program Credits and Institutional Requirements | 69 | |
Exit Assessment
Successful completion of course 204-168 Design, Production and Planning 2: Digital Output is the required exit assessment for the program.
Institutional Requirements
** The credits for 103-159 Computer Literacy-Microsoft Office and 890-101 College 101 are Institutional Requirements for graduation. Consequently, they are not part of the program credit requirements.
Academic Planner
Transfer Opportunities
Check out the Credit Transfers page for more information.
